BRITISH police officer Ian Parray, who was killed in a vehicular accident at last Sunday, will be cremated on Friday following a funeral service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-of-Spain.

Parray, 47, who was assigned to the Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT) as a senior trainer, died after the car he was driving crashed into the traffic lights at the El Socorro and Churchill Roosevelt Highway intersection at 9 am. At the time, he was heading to his Trincity home.

His relatives are due in the country today. Newsday understands that the service will begin at 9.30 am and then the body will be taken to the Crematorium in St James for cremation. The officer, who spent 20 years at the Wiltshire Police Department in England before joining SAUTT in 2006, was unmarried and heavily involved in local rugby. His relatives decided to have him cremated in Trinidad because of his love for this country.

In a statement on Sunday, SAUTT director Brigadier Peter Joseph, said Parray’s death was a “dreadful shock to everyone at SAUTT”.

“He was a very professional trainer, who was also a larger-than-life character. Ian will be remembered for his commitment, friendliness and helpfulness, as well as his sense of humour and booming laugh. Although he came to us from England, Ian was very much part of the SAUTT family,” Joseph said.

“He loved TT and was dedicated to helping make this country a better place to live. He was a very popular man and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and sympathies go out to Ian’s colleagues, many friends and family,” Joseph said.